guard hair
noun
: one of the usually long coarse hairs forming a protective coating over the undercoat of a mammal
Examples of guard hair in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In contrast, New World porcupines—those found in North and South America—have individual quills interspersed with sensory guard hairs, bristles, and underfur.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 May 2026
These guard hairs must be removed before accessing the quills.
—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Deer put on extra fat in the fall and grow a winter coat with long guard hairs for insulation.
—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Dec. 2025
The rest of the body is blanketed in soft, pale hairs called vellus hairs, which wick sweat to keep us cool, and thicker, more visible guard hairs, which protect the skin against damage from rubbing and scratching.
—
Ariel Bleicher,
Quanta Magazine,
16 Apr. 2025
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Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 May 2026
These guard hairs must be removed before accessing the quills.
—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Deer put on extra fat in the fall and grow a winter coat with long guard hairs for insulation.
—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Dec. 2025
The rest of the body is blanketed in soft, pale hairs called vellus hairs, which wick sweat to keep us cool, and thicker, more visible guard hairs, which protect the skin against damage from rubbing and scratching.
—
Ariel Bleicher,
Quanta Magazine,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guard hair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guard%20hair. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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